Surf Instro Review: The Bradipos IV - Instro Mania!!

Italy's Bradipos IV, another Robert Rugerri project, brings a unique blend of surf instro power to our shores with their album Instro Mania! 

Their sound, distinct from other surf groups, is just as impressive as Cosmonauti's, which I reviewed last month.

Finding a surf group worth its salt in an unsuspecting place like Italy must be a task, although it is becoming more apparent that groups like this are popping up all over the globe. 

The intro throws you off a bit, as it sounds like an eerie beginning for a surf CD.

Once the intro gives way, Bradipos IV's album is a full-throttle, high-energy surf experience. The production quality, a hallmark of Robert Ruggeri's work, is evident. With this album, the surf's up in Italy, and now it's here for you to enjoy the waves from a distant land. 

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

April 1999

Tracks:

01. Intro  

02. Mysterion 

03. Tijuana's Stomp  

04. Forbidden Island  

05. Surfin' Sloth  

06. Work Song  

07. Dirty Phonic

08. Barracuda   

09. Brainless Girl  

10. Stompin' Tune  

11. Prisoner In Orbit  

12. Positano  

13. Carmela  

14. Kissin' Bonobo Roll

Surf Instro Review: The Cave 4 in... Bikini Crash

When you look at the titles of the songs on The Cave 4 in...Bikini Crash!, you begin to think that they are typical surf CDs. Words like banzai, malibu, and beaches are used.

One listen, and you feel you have heard two separate groups playing on different CDs! There are your typical twanging, reverb-filled tunes, and then the group surfs off into punk-garage-rock territory. It is, for the most part, great.

A few tunes, primarily the garage tracks, are on the low end of the recording spectrum. The surf tracks are much cleaner for the concerned audiophile. With that exception, it was a perfectly enjoyable listen.

This group has heaps of talent, and it's apparent in their ability to change from one type of music to the next quickly and convincingly. That is what impressed me.

The songs were recorded in the Netherlands, where the group resides, between 1994 and 96. Hopefully, they can record the next CD stateside, and we can hear a more precise and cleaner production. I enjoyed listening to this and believe any surf instro enthusiast would!

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

April 1999

TRACKS

01. Shockwave  

02. Surfin' Cat  

03. Malibu Run 

04. Bonneville Stomp  

05. Blast Off  

06. Tribute Pt.1   

07. Unknown

08. House On Haunted Hill  

09. Alfred E. Goes Surfin'   

10. Slow  

11. Bikini Crash  

12. Let's Go To The Beach

13. Same All Over The World  

14. Cave 4  

15. Banzai Washout
  

Kick—ASSS Surf, Garage, and Desperate Rock n' Roll Review - Achtung Spitfire Schnell Schnell!!! DEMO 99'

 http://achtung-spitfire.de/

Note: For some reason, I did not note the track titles when I wrote this review; however, I did find a good stream on Bandcamp with Rarities and Demos that is worth checking out, and their website is active!

The group has coined its music as Kick—ASSS Surf, Garage, and Desperate Rock n' Roll, a unique blend that sets it apart. Hailing from Germany, it has crafted an exceptional demo to captivate prospective record labels.

 

This enhanced CD features six tracks, each a testament to its distinct sound, and includes QuickTime video clips and other surprises for your enjoyment.

 

The group has enormous potential, and I would be shocked and disappointed if they weren't recognized as the spirited and energetic group they are. They rock and roll, bang, twang, and burn the house down on this impressive debut.

 

Considering this is a demo, I was impressed with the sound, professionalism, and all the efforts to make it an actual multimedia experience.

 

The group has a strong following overseas and is very active on the concert circuit. Playing many gigs is the best way to hone your chops and make a name for yourself. ASSS is fired and ready to come to the U.S. and cut a full-length CD.

 

I've recommended the group to my friends at Del-Fi, and there's a chance you'll hear a track from them on Del-Fi's second Surf Monsters release this Fall. I'm eagerly anticipating this and keeping my fingers crossed for them. So, get ready to engage with the group on their website and be part of their journey.

Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck

April 1999

1. Soul Time 04:19

2. Amazing Disgrace 05:24

3. Forrester Of The Rabbits 02:10

4. Rockit Fuel 02:24

5. Target: Dr. Mabuse 03:51

6. Nutshell 02:58

7. Link Tiene Los Huevos Como Sandias De Grande 04:28

8. I Refuse 03:49

9. Follow Me 04:26